LABOR CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 79, 11 April 1901, Page 3

LABOR CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Dunedin, last night. At the Trades and Labor Conference this morning, Mr Young moved that the standing orders be suspended, for the purpose of recommitting the Conciliation and Arbitration Act, with a view to inserting the following amendment:—“That all Government employees be brought under the provisions of the Arbitration Act.’’ Carried, with iwo dissentients. It was further resolved/that rating on unimproved values be made and also that the Government be urged to amend the Workmen’s W r ages Act; to grant Unions power to sue on behalf of ten members ; that the Old Age Pensions Act be amended iri that in cases where persons arc performing underground work for a period of ten years, the age limit be reduced. to 60 years ; that the system of considering board and residence as income be abolished, and that the amount of pensions. be increased to ten shillings a week (carried, with two dissentients) ; that the Conference rc-affirm the principle of old age pensions being made universal (carried by Bto 3); that the Representation Act be amended in the direction of the abolition of the rural quota of 28.]- per cent in suburban districts (carried by 6 votes to 2). Other resolutions carried up to the luncheon adjournment were : Requesting the Government to introduce a Rill limiting the rate of interest on money ; that the Government be urged to introduce a. referendum with the initiative in the hands of the people ; that the Government bo urged to introduce a Rill providing for a referendum of the people on the question of the abolition of the Upper House. A proposal that the Government be requested to introduce a Minimum Wage Bill, with a minimum of ten shillings a day for male workers, was negatived by five to four, three dele gates not voting. Latkr.—lt was resolved to ask Government to provide 10s per day to all jurymen, there to he only one jury panel and grand juries to be abolished ; no solicitor to be allowed to inspect the jury panel. That all vacancies in the Government services bo advertised for, the names, after examinatioiras to fitness, to bo submitted to ballot. That State farms be established. That individual acquisition of wealth be curtailed, either by increased probate duty, by a wealth tax, or by direct taxation. That Government provide free and secular education from primary schools to the University. That education he compulsory to 14 years, pupils passing the sixth standard before that ago to attend high school. That there bo a uniform set of standards, and school hooks to be provided by the State. That labour organisations 'he granted direct representation on Harbor Boards. That the oil and mineral wealth of the colony he nationalised. That Govern

mcnt pay for the men’s inspection. Tlmt coni mine owners be compelled lo conduct sufficient pure air by brattice or other means within 15 feet of every workin" bice. That Government be urged to nationalise the carrying trade by sea and land ; to introduce a Betterment Bill ; to pass an Elective Executive Bill : to provide for periodical re-valuation of Grown lands on lease, and to establish a Slate hank with the solo right of issue. It was resolved to protest against the sale of Crown lands by the Government.